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I don't want to be a smart alack BUT ... try navigating subway stations, city buses, and the like when you are 80+ or have health/mobility issues. It is not easy and many places that are SUPPOSED to be accessible often aren't. And that was Chicago.
In many places the buses can "kneel" and will present a curb level platform for boarding.
In many places the buses can "kneel" and will present a curb level platform for boarding.
The "kneeling buses" are fine. However, just getting on the bus is not the only problem. You have to walk toward the back of the bus which is a problem for some with mobility issues.
Also, in Chicago, you have to get to the platform in order to hop on a train ... and in many cases, the elevators to and from the platforms are often broken. Try walking down 40 steps in rush hour with hundreds of commuters pushing against you trying to get to the train.
I bought a 1 story house in a walkable area. I also have a bike. There is 24/7 bus service about 1/4 mile from my door. And taxi cabs everywhere. And if I can't walk to the bus, or get on the bus, all I have to do is prove it and they have paratransit for the disabled and infirm that will pick me up and drop me off at the door. And it costs the same as the bus. I do have to make appointments for paratransit 24 hours in advance.
Actually MOST cities have these services. You just have to look for them.
I live in a large city. I got rid of my car 20 years ago. I order my pantry items online from a local grocery store and have them delivered. I have 2 great produce markets and meat markets within two blocks of my house. I walk, use public transportation, Uber or taxis to get around.
When I retire and move next year I will need to buy a car. It will be a big lifestyle change for me.
There is very cheap van service for seniors in my area. Seniors can go and return anywhere for $1.50. I also order a lot from Amazon. We also have grocery delivery services.
I've long studied my ultimate retirement home in Tucson, hopefully yet this year, and being near a bus stop is ultra-important, a short bike ride to a grocery store or 2, and I'm also planning on buying a moped/scooter for longer trips!
I've already done my practice sessions, riding the buses here in Las Vegas to work and back, a couple nights a week, so that will be no adjustment at all, in fact, I've come to enjoy taking the bus! I enjoy the camaraderie at the bus stops and riding the buses, meeting new people, even making friends.
I'm actually looking forward to getting to that point of not being able to drive anymore, as I've always been a nervous Nellie behind the wheel of a car, a worry wart that's always worrying something may happen to the car, on this trip or that trip! What a relief it shall be! And no more nasty, heart-stopping repair bills or potential traffic fines!
this is one thing that turned us off to rural living...that was a big reason we sold what was going to be our retirement house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr5150
I live in a rural/wild area...Honestly, I am not willing to give up living where I want to out of fear of a situation that may never come to pass. I'd rather be happy. What if I die before I am not able to drive any more? Then what????
This second quote is exactly how we feel. Quality of life is the most important thing. I'd rather live 2 years, or 5 years less, and thorougly enjoy the years I have, than to constantly be in fear of "what if...?". This plus the fact that we have lived in cities all our lives, and are totally sick of the noise, the crowds, the traffic, the pollution, the crime, etc etc. Out here in the woods, we can relax and forget all that. Whatever will be, will be. Everybody has to die someday anyway. I'm going to enjoy what remains of my life!
I bought a house in a small city/town where I can walk or ride my scooter to almost everything. and they have a local bus service for the rest.
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